"FROM THE BENCH" AVAILABLE ON APPLE AND SPOTIFY

Detroit, MI – The National Roller Hockey League is pleased to announce its "From The Bench" series is now available in a podcast.

The NRHL podcast is available on Apple and Spotify.

Click a button below too subscribe.

"From The Bench" provides an opportunity for the fans of the NRHL, member teams and players to learn more about the gentlemen in the league. The NRHL plans to expand the series to include former pro roller hockey players and others throughout the industry to give a history and glimpse into the game.

Detroit, MI – The National Roller Hockey League began its series of player interviews last week. The NRHL will conduct player interviews and more with its new series "From The Bench".

"From The Bench" provides an opportunity for the fans of the NRHL, member teams and players to learn more about the gentlemen in the league. The NRHL plans to expand the series to include former pro roller hockey players and others throughout the industry to give a history and glimpse into the game.

Subscribe to the NRHL's YouTube Channel and watch its social media for the series as episodes are released.

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

SEASON TICKET MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

DETROIT – The National Roller Hockey League (NRHL) announced the 2020 season would be postponed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic on March 26, 2020. This decision has impacted each of the Season Ticket Members for the NRHL teams.

In light of the developing actions with the pandemic, all Season Ticket Memberships will be honored for the 2021 season. While the 100 for $100 promotion has ended and will not be extended into the 2021 season, the NRHL teams will honor the Season Ticket Memberships purchased under the 100 for $100 plan will be valid for the member’s selected seat(s).

All Season Ticket Membership benefits will continue [i.e. apparel discount] as long as the membership is active. Season Ticket Members may receive a bonus in the upcoming months for any special NRHL events.

Season Ticket Memberships are now on sale for the 2021 season.

The health and safety of our fans, players, staff, and entire NRHL community is our highest priority, and so we appreciate the understanding of our fans under these conditions. Future ticket information will be announced when available on the NRHL and team websites.

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

NATIONAL ROLLER HOCKEY LEAGUE 2020 SEASON POSTPONED

Today, the National Roller Hockey League is disappointed to announce that the 2020 season will be postponed to May 2021, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Training camps were scheduled to open May 11, with the opening night of the regular season May 22, 2020.

The NRHL released a statement on March 13 expressing that the League was proceeding toward the 2020 season. The NRHL firmly made all necessary operational adjustments to proceed to May 2020, however due to the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, our first priority has been how to best proceed with the safety and health of our players, fans, staff members, and community.

The most recent developments since our statement released March 13 have drastically changed our opportunities to continue, along with ensuring a solid foundation toward growing a prosperous and strong league.

There have been many changes globally in which have affected the promise of a successful season, and we have been very closely observing the moves of other major sports leagues and events. As the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2020 Kentucky Derby have been postponed, along with the NHL and NBA not yet announcing a return date for their respective seasons, the NRHL decided that these actions, along with the directives placed by the Federal government and many states, we cannot move forward with kicking off our 2020 season.

“We have dedicated our lives to the NRHL for the last 5.5 years and there was nothing more that we wanted than to be on the floor for the May 22nd puck drop in Detroit. However, our number one responsibility is to keep everybody safe and healthy and at this point, we cannot continue with the 2020 season without knowing when the COVID-19 pandemic will allow us to return to our regular existence. We assure you that we will be on the floor for the 2021 season, that we will take this year to make the NRHL bigger and better than it is today, and that we will continue to dedicate our lives to this organization, our players, staff members, and the roller hockey community.”

The NRHL ownership, staff, facilities, and sponsors are united in our commitment in certifying the sustainability, longevity, and growth of the NRHL. We are united in embracing the change with unshakeable resolve.

The global pandemic has led us to make some very difficult conclusions, but we wholeheartedly believe in these necessary decisions and our hearts are with those who have been or continue to be affected by this pandemic.

BUSINESS OWNER AND MEMORIAL CUP WINNER

DETROIT, MI – The National Roller Hockey League is proud to announce Colin Sinclair has been added as a partner to the league.

Serving as a partner for the NRHL, Sinclair will be responsible for helping the outlook of the league, advising with any additions to franchises, implementing a structure to the league and making sure the bylaws of the league are followed. He will also assist with on-boarding team franchises.

"Colin was an amazing player on the ice. It was a great time playing together. I knew I had to work with Colin when we had the opportunity to work together in the past. His work ethic and knowledge is a perfect fit for the NRHL team," Trevor stated. "Colin owns and operates numerous companies, as well as worked with multiple sports leagues on franchise acquisitions".

Sinclair's background includes overseeing the expansive process of different junior hockey leagues in Canada as well as several professional sports leagues. He brings a tremendous understanding of what policies and procedures need to be followed to on-board leagues and what processes are necessary to run a league.

“I love my job and I love to work. I have a variety of roles in the jobs I currently have. I’ve been doing this for a while so I bring some experience to the table with a strong passion for sports. Outside of working with junior and professional teams, I coach three local youth hockey teams,” Sinclair said. “I run after- school youth programs also. By putting all my experiences together, I know I can be a benefit for the NRHL and can’t wait to see what’s in store for the season.”

NRHL Commissioner Bobby Clouston knows that with Sinclair as a partner, the league has added a huge addition to their back end.

“Colin is going to be such a huge help for us running this league and assisting with franchises. He has so much experience at such a young age and we are pleased to have him on our team,” Clouston stated. “We know he will be a helping hand for franchises and will make the league's operations run smoothly.”

Sinclair played ice hockey for the Kootenay Ice of the WHL for five seasons, winning a Memorial Cup. He went on to play college hockey at the University of New Brunswick before playing two seasons in the ECHL and two seasons of his career in Norway.

Sinclair is happily married with a wife and three kids.

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

REGARDING THE 2020 SEASON AND COVID-19

The National Roller Hockey League (NRHL) is continuing to prepare for the May 22, 2020 puck drop on its 2020 season while monitoring and observing the progress of COVID-19. While the NRHL is moving forward on plans for the start of the regular season, it is creating contingency proposals for various possibilities.

The NRHL will take preparations one day at a time moving forward. The NRHL is communicating with elected officials and other sports leagues in North America daily, while monitoring news outlets for updates. We will continue to listen to those professionals in the field and examine the actions of the major three professional sports leagues.

The NHL, NBA, and MLB have either delayed, suspended, or ceased operations as of today. In light of this, we are carefully considering all options and are prepared to take any and all actions necessary to ensure a successful launch, while keeping everyone safe and healthy.

JOE COOK leads NRHL hockey operations

DETROIT, MI – The National Roller Hockey League is proud to announce that Joe Cook has been named Director of Hockey Operations.

Serving as the Director of Hockey Operations for the NRHL, Cook will be working alongside Director of Player Personnel, Ryan Webb, and with general managers in the league ensuring that general managers adhere to the salary cap and contract regulations.

Cook brings a wealth of roller hockey experience to the NRHL having worked in the industry for 25 years. He served as the Vice President of Roller Hockey for Mission and Bauer Hockey before venturing out on his own to start Alkali Hockey in 2011, where he served as a CEO. In 2015, he sold Alkali Hockey to Wholesale Sports Inc and was retained as COO. Cook with high hopes for the NRHL, knows how prominent and successful this league can become.

“I believe that the next real growth of the sport will be directly correlated with the formation of a true professional league. In order for the sport to grow, there needs to be a professional league put in place,” Cook stated. “I was at the first meeting held by the NRHL with Bobby and Matt at my side and since that day I knew I fully supported their vision.”

NRHL Commissioner Bobby Clouston shared how supportive and helpful Cook has been in the formation of the league.

“Joe has been so dedicated to the league since day one and there is no one else I would rather have as our Director of Hockey Operations,” Clouston said. “He’s a hard worker and someone we can trust to make sure every team complies with our salary cap expectations.”

Cook played three years of professional roller hockey in the RHI with the Anaheim Bullfrogs. He has also been a captain for Team USA in 1996, 1997 and 1998 at the IIHF Inline World Championships, then went on to be the Head Coach of Team USA from 1999-2000 and 2012-2017. He also played NCAA hockey at Miami University in Ohio as well as in the AHL and ECHL.

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

FiNAL ROUND OF 2020 NRHL DRAFT CONCLUDED

The sixth round of the 2020 NRHL Draft took place on Saturday night, February 22nd. In this round, two forwards and two defensemen were chosen.

SEVENTH ROUND – FEBRUARY 29, 2020

Round 7, Pick 1: Detroit Dragons, Steven Fowler, Forward

The selection of forward Steven Fowler would kick off the seventh round of the 2020 NRHL Draft. Fowler has made stops in the GMHL, CCHL, MJAHL and GOJHL before turning pro and joining LN91 in Division 2 of Sweden. The Oxford native spent last season with the Mentor Ice Breakers in the FPHL and is currently in his second season with the team.

Round 7, Pick 2: Grand Rapids Warthogs, Paul Bittner, Forward

Paul Bittner began his junior career playing in WHL with the Portland Winterhawks where he spent four seasons. He was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second round of the 2015 NHL Draft with the 38th pick. He is currently a member of the Cleveland Monsters, the AHL affiliate for the Blue Jackets, and is in his fifth season with Cleveland. He has also attended Blue Jackets training camp in the past. Bittner was also a member of Team USA at the 2013-14 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

ROUND 6, PICK 3: PORT HURON YETI, BRAD STAUBITZ – FORWARD

Garrett Ross spent four seasons with the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL and was named an assistant captain in his final season. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL Draft with the 139th pick by the Chicago Blackhawks. Since then, the Dearborn Heights native has played in 313 AHL games and is currently a member of the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL. Ross has also attended Chicago Blackhawks training camp.

Round 7, Pick 4: St. Louis Vipers, John Schiavo, Forward

John Schiavo is the last pick of the 2020 NRHL Draft. Schiavo is a veteran of the game of roller hockey. He has most recently played for the Black Ice and won two gold medals with Team USA, one at the IIHF in 2017 and in 2019 at the World Roller Games. Schiavo is also in his fifth season of professional ice hockey and is currently a member of the Huntsville Havoc in the SPHL, where he won the President’s Cup in 2019. The Long Island native has also played seen action in the FPHL and the ECHL and attended New York Islanders prospect camp in 2015 and 2016.

If you are interested in becoming a potential player in the NRHL, please visit this link below and fill out the form to attend a combine or camp for a NRHL Team.

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

ANOTHER ROUND OF TALENT FROM NHL TO PRO ROLLER HOCKEY

The sixth round of the 2020 NRHL Draft took place on Saturday night, February 22nd. In this round, two forwards and two defensemen were chosen.

Sixth ROUND – FEBRUARY 22, 2020

Round 6, Pick 1: Detroit Dragons, Ryan Perry – Forward

Ryan Perry is no stranger to the NRHL having played in the league in its first two inaugural seasons. Perry was a member of the Detroit Bordercats, where he was a two-time champion. He dominated the league in scoring racking up 42 goals and 32 assists in only 16 games played. He also played elite hockey for the Detroit Bordercats before he joined RPD.

Round 6, Pick 2: Grand Rapids Warthogs, Andrew Debrincat – Defenseman

Andrew Debrincat spent four years at American International College where he played NCAA DI hockey. After graduating, he played in the SPHL and ECHL. He was a member of the Fayetteville Marksmen for five games and has since played in the ECHL. Debrincat has seen action in 76 ECHL games and is currently a member of the Cincinnati Cyclones. The Farmington Hills native also played elite roller hockey in the Metro Detroit area where he grew up. He is also the brother of Chicago Blackhawks forward Alex Debrincat.

Round 6, Pick 3: Port Huron Yeti, Brad Staubitz – Forward

Brad Staubitz will have a quick commute over the border from Sarnia to get to Port Huron this summer. Staubitz played four years of OHL hockey between the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and the Ottawa 67’s. He would spend his ice hockey career split between the NHL and AHL where he was a member of the San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks. In the NHL, he would play 230 games before retiring. Since then, he has worked for four seasons as an assistant coach for the Sarnia Sting in the OHL.

Round 6, Pick 4: St. Louis Vipers, Cody Page – Defenseman

Cody Page played roller hockey at Lindenwood University for five seasons and is currently in his final season. He’s played in 95 games and has scored 70 goals and notched 91 assists. Page has also been a member of RPD. He has also represented the USA at the FIRS Inline Hockey World Championships in the junior and men’s divisions.

The seventh and final round of the 2020 NRHL Draft will take place on Saturday, February 29th. It will begin at 7 PM.

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

Twenty-Six Regular Season Games Per Team

DETROIT – The National Roller Hockey League (NRHL) is thrilled to reveal the 2020 NRHL regular season schedule. The NRHL ownership and teams are eager for the schedule release after working in conjunction with our partner arenas – Fraser Hockeyland, Family Arena, McMorran Place Arena, and Delta Plex Arena. This announcement is a long time coming for many involved – especially co-founders, Bob Clouston and Matt Wiedenhoeft.

The regular season schedule is set to open May 22, 2020 at Fraser Hockeyland in Metro Detroit. The St. Louis Vipers will visit the Detroit Dragons for the start of a major level of professional roller hockey league.

“We have spent many hours working with the teams, arenas, and our leadership on completing the schedule. We are excited to finally have our schedule buttoned up to position ourselves where we are today, which is moving full-steam ahead,” stated NRHL Co-Founder/Commissioner Bob Clouston.

The NRHL season will consist of 52 total games, played over a period of 13 weeks. Each team will compete in 26 games, with each team playing 13 at home and 13 on the road, including a “dead week” over the Fourth of July holiday. The regular season will conclude August 15 with Grand Rapids Warthogs vs St. Louis Vipers at Family Arena and Port Huron Yeti vs Detroit Dragons at Fraser Ice Arena.

The NRHL and teams are planning major events to kick off their seasons – they will be exciting, family-friendly, and fast-paced. The NRHL teams plan each game to be an event – not only a hockey game.

“A professional roller hockey league played during the summer months in arena facilities has not been completed since 1999. The NRHL is set to complete this task, twenty-one years later,” noted Matt Wiedenhoeft, NRHL President/Co-Founder.

Jeff Blum, Port Huron Yeti General Manager, said “we are planning fun and exciting vents for each game. It’s going to be an electric and family atmosphere in and around McMorran for our games.”

Season Tickets

Season ticket memberships are on sale now, with payment options available to secure your membership. The NRHL teams have a few 100 for $100 tickets remaining, but those are going quick. The season ticket memberships include many benefits besides a discounted ticket price per game, including but not limited to apparel discounts, VIP entrances, reserved seating, and more.

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

EXCITED FOR TOUR PARTNERSHIP

DETROIT – The National Roller Hockey League is proud to announce their partnership with Tour Hockey. Tour Hockey will be the official glove and wheel sponsor of the NRHL. Tour Hockey is a world-renowned inline hockey equipment company and the number one supplier for roller hockey.

“The glove we have developed for the NRHL is the only glove that should be used for roller hockey,” Stated Chad Seibel, Vice President of Sales and Product for Tour Hockey. “The glove is designed as if its mother was a lacrosse glove and its father a hockey glove. It is super comfortable and the players loved it in the testing phase.”

The first real hockey gloves Matt Wiedenhoeft used were Tour gloves.

“This partnership is a no-brainer. Tour Hockey is a household name in the roller hockey industry. We used mostly Tour hockey in the roller skating industry for our roller hockey leagues. We sold a lot of it,” stated NRHL President Matt Wiedenhoeft.

Tour Hockey’s parent company developed its own wheel, called “Kemistry”. The Kemistry wheel will be the official wheels of the NRHL as well.

“The wheels that players will be using this season have been tested on roller blades, skateboards and other products,” Seibel said. “We will also be providing bearings for the league and we know that with these wheels, a new kind of energy will be brought to the players of the NRHL.”

Tour Hockey is excited to be bringing the official glove and wheel to the league.

“We’re excited to see a league bring back the pro level of roller hockey and legitimize it with other pro sports. This league will definitely develop and redevelop the love of roller hockey among fans and players and get them to never forget this love,” Seibel said. “The league has such a great talent pool and a great stage to show off. We know this league will reinvigorate the sport of roller hockey.”

NRHL Commissioner Bobby Clouston is proud to welcome Tour Hockey as a partner and knows that they will have a significant impact on the league.

“It is a great honor to have Tour Hockey come in and be a sponsor with the NRHL. They are the best in the business and will be a great help by providing our players with these excellent pieces of equipment,” Clouston stated. “We want to thank Chad and everyone at Tour Hockey for the support. We can’t wait for the season to start and see the new gloves and wheels in action.”

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

FIFTH ROUND INCLUDES PLAYERS FROM ALL OVER

DETROIT – The fifth round of the 2020 NRHL Draft took place on Saturday night, February 15th. In this round, one forward, two defenseman and one goaltender was selected.

FOURTH ROUND – FEBRUARY 8, 2020

ROUND 5, PICK 1: DETROIT DRAGONS, JAMIE MILAM - DEFENSEMAN

Jamie Milam would be the first pick of the fifth round. The Lake Orion native played a season in the NAHL before attending Northern Michigan University where he played DI hockey for four seasons. Since then, Milam has made stops in different leagues including the UHL, CHL and ECHL. He has also played in multiple countries including Poland, Great Britain, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Slovakia and Denmark. He is a two-time CHL Champion and a Slovakian Extraliga Champion. Currently, Milam is a member of Sterzing/Vipiteno in Italy.

ROUND 5, PICK 2: GRAND RAPIDS WARTHOGS, DOMINIK SHINE - FORWARD

As a fifth-round pick of the draft, Dominik Shine won’t have a long commute to Warthogs games and practices. His junior hockey career started with the Lincoln Stars. There he played four years and served as captain for the last two. After Lincoln, Shine attended Northern Michigan University where he played DI hockey for four seasons. He served as the team’s assistant captain in his junior and senior seasons. Since his college playing days, the Pinckney native has been a member of the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL where he has played 182 games. Shine also played roller hockey with the Detroit Bordercats at Joe Dumars Fieldhouse.

Jerry Kalle Eemeli Kaukinen is the first goaltender to be selected by the Yeti. Kaukinen played junior hockey with the Texas Tornados in the NAHL and with the Fresno Monsters of the WSHL. Currently, Kaukinen plays roller hockey in the Spanish league where he is a member of the CPL Valladolid.

ROUND 5, PICK 4: ST. LOUIS VIPERS, tommy Bruce - DEFENSEMAN

Tommy Bruce has a long history playing roller hockey. He played five seasons at Lindenwood University where he racked up 60 goals and 55 assists in 56 games and won four national DI championships. Bruce also represented the USA at the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championships in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2017, winning a gold medal in 2006. Bruce also has coaching experience winning a MOIHA state championship as an assistant coach at Francis Howell North. He won a MOIHA state championship as a head coach with Fort Zumwalt West.

Round six of the 2020 NRHL Draft will take place on Saturday, February 22nd. It will begin at 7 PM.

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

PROFESSIONAL ROLLER HOCKEY IS SET TO RETURN

DETROIT – The National Roller Hockey League (NRHL) is pleased to announce the dates for the 2020 NRHL season home openers. The NRHL ownership and team staffs are excited for the opening dates to be released. This announcement is a long time coming for many.

The NRHL was founded in November 2014 by Bob Clouston and Matt Wiedenhoeft, who started NRHL with the help of four franchise owners in the Detroit Metro area. The first two seasons operated with teams playing in local roller hockey facilities, with great success, however, a void at the professional level was still present.

After a period of restructuring, the NRHL released a fresh website with a renewed direction on January 1, 2017. The new direction was something the roller hockey world had not seen since the end of Roller Hockey International (RHI) in 1999. The NRHL would play during the summer months in arena facilities (2,500 -10,000 seats), while attracting the best talent in the world, paying the players and operating as professional organizations.

“We knew the what the successes and failures were in our first two seasons, along with the successes and failures of RHI. Matt and I spent thousands of hours discussing how we should move forward and how we could make the NRHL a huge success. In our discussions, we spoke with various ice hockey team owners and management about the concept,” stated NRHL Co-Founder/Commissioner Bob Clouston.

The NRHL has consistently moved forward since the release of the renewed direction. Three additional partners were added to the NRHL ownership group – Trevor Johnson, Bob Hall, and Rob Valicevic. The NRHL announced the Detroit Dragons, followed by a team in west Michigan – eventually named the Grand Rapids Warthogs, with the Port Huron Yeti coming third, and the St. Louis Vipers as the fourth team.

Today, the NRHL is releasing the opening dates for the start of the most anticipated professional roller hockey league in over 20 years. The following are the opening dates and locations:

Friday May 22, 2020 @ Fraser Ice Arena

Detroit Dragons VS St. Louis Vipers

Saturday May 23, 2020 @ McMorran Place Arena

Port Huron Yeti VS St. Louis Vipers

Friday May 29, 2020 @ Delta Plex Arena

Grand Rapids Warthogs VS Port Huron

Saturday May 30, 2020 @ Family Arena

St. Louis Vipers VS Grand Rapids

“It’s beyond surreal,” said NRHL Co-founder/President Matt Wiedenhoeft. “Bob and I started on this project nearly five and half years ago and we originally set a goal to get to this point, but it was a 10-year goal. It is unbelievable to think what we have done to this point. We have so much more to do before we drop the puck, but WOW – it has been a long journey and we are ready to see our hard work and dreams make it to the roller floor,” concluded Wiedenhoeft.

The NRHL and each team are planning major events to kick off their seasons – they will be exciting, family-friendly, and fast-paced. The remainder of the season schedule will be released within 30 days; along with the announcement and sale of single game tickets.

Season ticket memberships are on sale now, with payment options available to secure your membership. The NRHL teams have a few 100 for $100 tickets remaining as well. The season ticket memberships include many benefits besides a discounted ticket price per game, including but not limited to apparel discounts, VIP entrances, reserved seating, and more.

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

WATSON LEADS THE VIPERS BUSINESS OPERATIONS

St. Louis - The St. Louis Vipers are pleased to announce Charley Watson has been named the team's General Manager. Charley will be overseeing all of the business operations as the General Manager of the Vipers. He shall build a front office team and work with the coaching staff where desired.

Watson’s hockey background stems back over 20 years. He has coached junior hockey in Michigan and Daytona, Florida and has held a number of front office positions in the past. Most recently, Watson served as the Chief Revenue Officer of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits of the ECHL and as an Assistant General Manager for the Macon Mayhem of the SPHL.

Coming into his first General Manager position, Watson likes the kinds of players the coaching staff have drafted to build the Vipers organization.

“We’re looking for players to draft and sign that are fast and have a lot of speed in their game,” Watson stated. “Quickness is going to be a component of every player's game in the NRHL and it’s something we’ll be looking for.”

Watson has been looking forward to the start of the NRHL season since being named General Manager of the Vipers.

“The NRHL is going to be really exciting. I did my research on the staff, players and personnel and this league will be a lot of fun,” Watson said. “The Vipers have a great history in St. Louis so we know that the fan base will be a good one and they’ll help our chances of winning.”

NRHL Commission Bobby Clouston knows that Charley Watson’s experience and professionalism will help build the Vipers into a competitive organization.

“Right from meeting Charley, I knew he would be a terrific choice to be the general manager of the Vipers. He has such a great resume that includes different roles surrounding the game of hockey,” Clouston said. “The Vipers have a great man at the helm and it’s going to be exciting to see what’s in store for St. Louis as they continue to build their team.”

Season ticket memberships are on sale now, with payment options available to secure your membership. The NRHL teams have a few 100 for $100 tickets remaining as well. The season ticket memberships include many benefits besides a discounted ticket price per game, including but not limited to apparel discounts, VIP entrances, reserved seating, and more.

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

FOURTH ROUND BRINGS STANLY CUP EXPERIENCE AND ROLLER HOCKEY ALL-STARS

DETROIT – The fourth round of the 2020 NRHL Draft took place Saturday night, February 8, with three forwards and one defenseman getting the call. Here is a look at the selections:

FOURTH ROUND – FEBRUARY 8, 2020

ROUND 4, PICK 1: DETROIT DRAGONS, CHAD LAROSE - FORWARD

Chad Larose is the most decorated player to be taken so far in the draft. Larose played eight seasons in the NHL with the Carolina Hurricanes and won the Stanley Cup during the 2005-06 season. He played in 508 NHL games and registered 85 goals and 95 assists. He also saw time in the AHL and ECHL and played junior hockey in the USHL and OHL. Larose last played with the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL during the 2016-17 season.

ROUND 4, PICK 2: GRAND RAPIDS WARTHOGS, Shane bennett - forward

Shane Bennett’s hockey career began in the OJHL where he played four seasons split between the Buffalo Jr. Sabres and the Milton Icehawks. He also played a season in the GMHL with Halton Ravens where he tallied 53 goals and 55 assists in 30 games. Bennett played a year of DIII hockey at SUNY-Cortland before joining the Fayetteville Marksmen in the SPHL. Since, Bennett has played in three seasons in the SPHL with the Mississippi Riverkings and Quad City Storm. He has also played roller hockey with the Excitement and Envious Wings.

ROUND 4, PICK 3: PORT HURON YETI, Jalen Krogman - FORWARD

Jalen Krogman has represented the USA at the IIHF and FIRS Inline Hockey World Championships and played DI roller hockey at Lindenwood University. Krogman played two seasons of ice hockey in the NAHL with the Odessa Jackalopes and one year of ACHA hockey at the University of Oklahoma. At Lindenwood, Krogman accumulated 58 goals and 111 assists in 91 games played.

ROUND 3, PICK 4: ST. LOUIS VIPERS, cody kettler - DEFENSEMAN

Cody Kettler would be the lone defenseman to be taken in the fourth round. Kettler five years of DI roller hockey at Lindenwood University. Kettler is also a two-time NCRHA College Roller Hockey National Champion. He notched 81 goals and 160 in 105 games. He is also a three-time World Champion having represented the USA at the Inline Hockey World Championships.

Round five of the 2020 NRHL Draft will take place on Saturday, February 15th. It will begin at 7 PM.

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

Third round full of ice & Roller hockey all-stars

DETROIT – The NRHL Draft keeps rolling with big names in ice and roller hockey. Round three of the 2020 NRHL Draft took place this past weekend on Saturday, February 1st. Two forwards and two defensemen were drafted over the weekend. Here is a look at the draftees in round three:

THIRD ROUND – FEBRUARY 1, 2020

ROUND 3, PICK 1: DETROIT DRAGONS, SHAWN SZYDLOWSKI - FORWARD

Shawn Szydlowski, a native of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, began his junior hockey career with the Erie Otters of the OHL. After signing an entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres in 2011, Szydlowski has since split time between the AHL and ECHL and even played a season in the CHL and Norway. He has played in 80 AHL games, 400 ECHL games and was named the ECHL Most Valuable Player in 2018 when he led the league with 79 points. Shawn is an elite roller hockey player as well as ice as on the ice.

ROUND 3, PICK 2: GRAND RAPIDS WARTHOGS, ALEX BROOKS - DEFENSEMEN

Alex Brooks was the first defenseman drafted by the Warthogs in the draft. Hailing from Walker, Michigan, Brooks began his junior career in the NAHL, playing for the Wichitia Falls Wildcats, Janesville Jets, Aberdeen Wings and Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings. Brooks would go on to play four seasons of DIII hockey at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and serve as an Assistant Captain during his senior year. His professional career began in the SPHL with Fayetteville FireAntz where he played 15 games. Since then, Brooks has played in over 200 ECHL games and is currently a member of the Indy Fuel. Alex has played roller hockey with many of the current NRHL draft picks.

ROUND 3, PICK 3: PORT HURON YETI, KYLE NOVAK - FORWARD

Kyle Novak is world-class elite roller hockey player, having played for Team USA at the IIHF and FIRS Inline Hockey World Championships in multiple years. Novak played in 126 games with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL and won a Clark Cup Championship before attending Western Michigan University. After graduating, Novak joined the Quad City Mallards in the ECHL where he played 52 games. Novak hasn’t played a professional ice hockey game since 2018. Yet, Kyle has continued to play roller hockey at the highest levels.

ROUND 3, PICK 4: ST. LOUIS VIPERS, P.J. KAVAYA - DEFENSEMAN

P.J. Kavaya’s ice hockey career began in the NAHL where he played 170 games between the Southern Minnesota Express and the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. After that, he would play at Western Michigan University for three years and finish his NCAA career playing DIII at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Currently, Kavaya is playing in the French Ligue Elite. Kavaya is a world-class roller hockey player competing at the highest levels. He has represented Team USA at the IIHF and FIRS Inline Hockey World Championships.

Round four of the 2020 NRHL Draft will take place this Saturday, February 8th. The draft will start at 7 PM.

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

DONATE SEASON TICKETS – GIVE TO A GREAT ORGANIZATION

Detroit, MI – The National Roller Hockey League is proud to announce a new season ticket plan called – Seasons Tickets for Charity. The program gives the chance for Roller Hockey fans to support their favorite team while helping others in need.

The Season Tickets for Charity Program will let NRHL fans give back to charities that serve people who are dealing with disabilities, cancer, illnesses and other life challenges. Once you purchase tickets through the program, 13 tickets will be donated to a charity for people who face these difficulties to attend a NRHL game. Season Tickets for Charity contributions are fully tax deductible.

The National Roller Hockey League has partnered with the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation to create the Season Tickets for Charity Program. A portion of every season ticket package will be donated to the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation, an organization that focuses on cancers of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells). And as a thank you from the NRHL, all contributors will be listed in NRHL game programs and will be highlighted in NRHL press releases on teams’ websites and social media platforms.

NRHL Commissioner Bobby Clouston is glad that the NRHL can help provide a program like this to help raise charitable awareness.

“Giving back to charities around the world has always been a super important priority of mine. With this program, the NRHL will do just that and help create a fandom among people that can focus on something else than the difficulties they face every day,” Clouston said. “We are excited to see the Season Tickets for Charity program begin and reach a whole new fan base around the country.”

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation at info@foundation.org or at 248-644-9014.

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information or to register for the 2019 NRHL Combine, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

2020 NRHL DRAFT – TWO ROUNDS IN THE BOOKS

With the NRHL season just a few months away, the four teams in competition have begun to build their teams with the draft. Round one took place on January 18th and round two was this past weekend on the 25th. Here is a look at the first eight selections:

FIRST ROUND – JANUARY 18, 2020

Round 1, Pick 1: Detroit Dragons, Jerry Kuhn - Goaltender

Jerry Kuhn, a native of Southgate, Michigan was the first overall pick in the 2020 NRHL Draft. Kuhn has extensive experience playing over 240 professional hockey games in his career. In the juniors, he skated with the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL before playing DI hockey at Western Michigan University. After playing three seasons in the ECHL, Kuhn has since played in Slovenia, Italy and Germany. Accolades include becoming a Slovenian Champion and winning an Italian Supercup. Kuhn has also won two gold medals with Team USA at the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championships.

Round 1, Pick 2: Grand Rapids Warthogs, Tom McCollum - Goaltender

Tom McCollum is the second goalie to be drafted during the 2020 NRHL Draft. McCollum played four seasons in the OHL with the Guelph Storm and Brampton Battalion. He was drafted in the first round by the Detroit Red Wings in 2008 and has played in the NHL, AHL and the ECHL. He played in 318 career AHL games since 2008 and won a Calder Cup in 2013. He has also been a member of Team USA at the Inline Skating World Championships.

Round 1, Pick 3: Port Huron Yeti, Tyler Spezia - Forward

Tyler Spezia is the first forward to be selected in the 2020 NRHL Draft. A former member of the Port Huron Fighting Falcons, Spezia also played junior hockey with the Dubuque Fighting Saints and the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL. He would go onto to play four seasons at Bowling Green State University where he serve as an Alternate Captain in his senior year. Over the last two seasons, he has split time between the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL and the Toledo Walleye in the ECHL. Spezia has also been a member of Team USA at the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championships.

Round 1, Pick 4: St. Louis Vipers, Shane Fox - Defenseman

Shane Fox was the first defenseman chosen in the 2020 NRHL Draft and the last selection to close out round one. Fox is a two-time NCRHA DI Champion, playing five years at Neumann University. In 96 games, Fox recorded 133 goals and 130 assists. Fox has also been a representative of Team USA at the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championships.

SECOND ROUND – JANUARY 25, 2020

Round 2, Pick 1: Detroit Dragons, Brandon Hawkins - Forward

Brandon Hawkins was the first draft pick of the second round. The Macomb Township native played a season in the USHL with the Sioux City Musketeers before splitting time at Bowling Green State University and Northeastern University. Hawkins played a few games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins last season and has split time between the Penguins and the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL this season. He also attended the 2019-2020 Pittsburgh Penguins rookie camp. Hawkins has represented Team USA at the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championships.

Round 2, Pick 2: Grand Rapids Warthogs, Triston Grant - Forward

Triston Grant, who last played for the Quad City Mallards of the ECHL comes out of retirement to join the NRHL after playing five seasons in the WHL between the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Vancouver Giants. Grant would play 11 NHL games with the Philadelphia Flyers and the Nashville Predators. He would play 641 AHL games between the Philadelphia Phantoms, Milwaukee Admirals, Rochester Americans, Oklahoma City Barons, Grand Rapids Griffins and the Binghamton Senators.

Round 2, Pick 3: Port Huron Yeti, Alex Kile - Forward

Alex Kile, a Troy native, joins the Yeti with the third pick of the second round. Kile played two seasons of junior hockey with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. Afterwards, Kile would play four years at the University of Michigan where he captained the team in his Senior year. He also won a NCAA B1G Championship in 2016. Since then, Kile has played in 51 AHL games and 105 ECHL games and is currently a member of the Maine Mariners.

Round 2, Pick 4: St. Louis Vipers, Jack Combs - Forward

Jack Combs would be the last selection of round two. Combs' hockey career started in the OHL with the Kitchener Rangers and the Saginaw Spirit. After juniors, Combs bounced around the AHL and ECHL playing a total of 162 AHL games and 220 ECHL games. He has also played in Russia, Sweden, Switzerland and most recently Germany. He has been a representative of Team USA at the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championship.

Round three of the 2020 NRHL Draft will take place this Saturday, February 1st. The draft will start at 7 PM.

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

Hockey veteran ready to lead roller hockey charge in Detroit

Detroit – The Detroit Dragons, the oldest named franchise of the National Roller Hockey League (NRHL) are excited to announce hockey veteran Steve Shannon as the General Manager for the organization.

Shannon, who has been playing hockey since he was five years old, played in the ACHA before becoming a police officer. He joined the Detroit Police Department team and was fortunate to play in places such as Sweden, Toronto, and New York City while running the hockey team.

“I’ve known (NRHL Partner) Rob Valicevic since around 1996 when I was running a pro ice hockey summer conditioning program – Pat Verbeek put me in charge of running the program and eventually moved over to Fraser (Hockeyland),” said Shannon. “Fraser bent over backwards for us, eventually coached the Motor City Mechanics during the lockout year, eventually being approached to coach the original Detroit Dragons team.”

Shannon has several goals for building an entire program from it’s infancy. He plans to put together the best team he possibly can assemble in Detroit and on the business side, grow the game in the community. His organization will push to have the best family-friendly and yet competitive atmosphere in the NRHL.

“Steve threw his hat in the ring for the head coaching position in Detroit, but the more I talked to him, the more I knew he would make a great General Manager, so that’s what we went to him with,” said Bobby Clouston, Commissioner and Co-Founder of the NRHL. “His reputation and experience in the hockey world are unmatched and we don’t see how that will do anything but help us out as we grow the Dragons into a top professional roller hockey team.”

“I’ve never played roller but trained on roller every summer, it’s a fun game, fast-paced and I know that even the truest of ice hockey fans, living in Hockeytown, will truly enjoy professional level roller hockey,” noted Shannon.

Shannon lives in Ocala, Florida, and plans to commute to Detroit as needed until the beginning of the season, when he will relocate back to the Detroit area full time.

Registration is open to declare for the Free Agent Draft. You can register by going to the NRHL website and filling out the form.

The first round of the 2020 NRHL Draft is complete and the following players were drafted: Detroit Dragons – Jerry Kuhn; Grand Rapids Warthogs – Tom McCollum; Port Huron Yeti – Tyler Spezia; St. Louis Vipers – Shane Fox. There are six rounds left, and each round will be held on the next six Saturday evenings.

The National Roller Hockey League is the only professional inline hockey league in North America and has teams in Detroit, St. Louis, Port Huron, and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit our website at www.thenationalrollerhockeyleague.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and YouTube.